Quick Guide to Suitable Urban Tree Species

December 3, 2014

Here we have an assortment of tree species suitable for planting in urban areas. Factors such as ornamental value, hardiness and maintenance were taken into consideration in the selection of these trees.

The tree species outlined below represent the best selection based on a look at urban specie suitability by GreenBlue Infrastructure Solutions. This article offers a brief description of 6 selected species – for a more detailed information on these species and more, download our full guide.

Maple – Acer Campestre (Elsrijk)

robust, medium-sized tree

reaches approximately 40 ft in height at maturity

heavy, calcareous soil preferred, but not too dry sandy soils are also suitable

possible to create block, cube, or cylinder shapes

Birch – Betula Utilis (Doorenbos)

attractive white bark

thin and peeling bark

Beech – Fagus Sylvatica (Dawyck)

narrow growth habit, ideal for areas of limited space

reaches 65 to 80 ft in height

shallow rooting makes it sensitive to road salt

well-drained soil preference, rich in humus and not too wet

Oak – Quercus Robur (Fastigiate Koster)

narrow, upright growth habit

reaches 50 to 65 feet in height at maturity

branching starts low on trunk

branches grow upright creating a pleasing, closed shape

prefers humus-rich and moist but well-drained soil

Poplar – Populus Simonii (Fastigiata)

initially narrow, upright growing tree that becomes broader

100 to 115 feet in height at maturity

small leaves

grows in clay (not too heavy) as well as sandy soils, and also tolerates wet soils

Linden – Tilia Cordata (Rancho)

wind tolerant and ideal for closed road surfacing

35 to 40 feet in height

immune to honeydew and sooty mold

egg-shaped crown, ultimately 20 to 26 feet wide

bears sweet smelling yellow flowers in summer

prefers sandy soil and tolerates drought

In general, these are tree species that do not require high levels of maintenance. Of course even with that in account, city centers and other areas where street trees are planted tend to be areas that receive the most attention, which means maintenance is likely to be more intensive.

The precise amount of maintenance required for any given tree is subject to a number of factors, such as the number of trees per square foot and the size of the trees at the time of planting. Therefore, is it essential when setting up a maintenance plan to also map the budget needed for maintenance.

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